Pays- Issoufou: False wingers, real assets
Starting the season as wildcards and not necessarily expected to occupy the tactical roles they hold today, Nicolas Pays and Yanis Issoufou epitomise this MHSC side that has managed to reinvent itself… Match
Neither of you were in the starting line-up at the start of the season. How did you find that period?
Nicolas PAYS: I was coming back from an injury I’d picked up at the end of last season. I just had to be patient and keep working hard. I was convinced that with patience and hard work, I would gradually make my way back into the team. Being dropped from the squad at a certain point was obviously a tough experience because, as a player, you always want to play, but I threw myself into my work and it paid off.
I threw myself into my work, and it paid off
Yanis ISSOUFOU: Even though I didn’t play much at first, I was still training with the first-team squad, I worked really hard, and I was also able to get some playing time and match practice with the second team.
Starting to get some playing time in the third division gave me confidence, then Coach Camara gave me my chance, and things have been going pretty well for me ever since. Let’s hope it lasts (smiles).
Today, you are one of the four players who have played the most matches since the start of the 2026 calendar year (10). Which match do you feel was your breakthrough moment, and how are you finding this return to the forefront?
Yanis: The win in Metz in the Coupe de France really helped me mentally. It got me back into my stride and boosted my confidence too, and since that match, I’ve felt more at ease on the pitch. I’m really pleased with the stats on my playing time in 2026. I didn’t realise I’d played as much as I have compared to others. It feels good to be playing match after match.
As Target man, you’re used to having a defender behind you. Out wide, the concept of one-on-one is a bit different
Nicolas: If I had to pick one match that was a turning point for me this season, it would be the win at Laval (Matchday 8, 27 September, Ed.). Collectively, first of all, because that win kicked off our first good run of form this season, and personally, because I regained my place in the starting line-up and hit the post. Then came the win against Nancy a month later, during which I scored my first goal at professional level. It was obviously a special moment (smiles). As for my playing time in 2026, I’m really pleased with it. It shows that Yanis and I have found a good balance between us. What makes us strong is that we enjoy ourselves on the pitch. We need to keep it up.
You both have in common the fact that you play in the attacking channels of a 4-1-4-1 formation, without being natural wingers. How have you found this change of position, which has ultimately been quite successful?
Nicolas: I played in that position for a while during my time at the Clermont Academy, but apart from that, I’ve always played as a number 10, both before my spell in Auvergne and when I returned to Le Puy, just before joining MHSC in January 2025.
I quite like playing on the wing because it allows me to cut inside onto my left foot and have the whole pitch in front of me. When you play in the centre, the game is inevitably different because you’re looking for the pass, and you’re often having to evade defenders and look for space. On the wing, there’s a battle of strength, as you have to get the better of the opposing full-back. You have to force a one-on-one, try to beat him, score, and make key passes. It’s a position I really enjoy.
On the wing, it’s a battle of strength, as you have to get the better of the opposing defender and try to beat him
Yanis: My natural position is centre-forward, but I enjoy playing on the wing. It allows me to showcase several of my strengths, including my pace and my ability to sustain bursts of energy; so I wasn’t completely out of my depth in that role either. It just took me a little while to adapt, but I feel comfortable there now. As for the differences with the centre-forward position, it’s certainly true that, when you’re a centre-forward, you’re more used to having a defender on your back and having to shake him off, find space or make yourself invisible. Out on the wing, the concept of a one-on-one situation is somewhat different.
If you had to describe each other on the pitch, how would you do it?
I also need to improve my success rate in the one-on-ones I create
Yanis on Nicolas: The first thing that strikes you about Nico is his first touch and how easily he beats his man. I’m also thinking of his left foot, which is very precise. I’ve only known him for just over a year, but I think he’s improved his right foot a lot, even though he’s a natural left-footer. He runs a lot and keeps up the effort well too… But not as much as I do, mind you! (laughs) What does he need to improve? He’s pretty much perfect, isn’t he? I’d say his heading, though (smiles). A player in Ligue 1 who’s similar to him? I’d say Florian Thauvin.
Yanis as seen by Nicolas: Yanis is quick. He’s the sort of player who keeps pushing himself, who can bring energy and freshness to the game. He delivers a lot of balls into the box, so naturally, when you’re around him, it’s a pleasure because he can pick you out with great passes. Does he remind me of any particular player? I’d say Leroy Sané when he was at Manchester City.
What quality would you look for in someone you’re talking to, and what flaw would you not tolerate?
Yanis on Nicolas: As for his strength, I’d say it’s his ability to cut inside at the far post. And his weakness? His heading (smiles)
Yanis as seen by Nicolas: I’d take his speed, no question. What I wouldn’t take? His right foot (bursts out laughing)
If you had to describe each other off the field, how would you do it?
Nicolas: I need to improve my effectiveness in the final 30 meters; I need to make better decisions or deliver more precise passes to set up either a goal-scoring pass or a key assist. I also need to improve my final touch and be more effective in front of goal.
Yanis: I’d say pretty much the same thing about myself, though I’d add that I need to be more composed in my decision-making when I have the chance to make a decisive play. I also need to improve my success rate in the one-on-one situations I create.
Among your most telling statistics, both of you rank in the top 3 among MHSC players for the most dribble attempts, the most high-intensity sprints, the most duels attempted, and the most touches in the opponent’s penalty area…
Yanis: When it comes to pressing, we’re able to execute it consistently and effectively, which also allows us to win high balls and create even more scoring opportunities. This ties into the stat about our high number of touches in the box. We need to find that finishing touch so we can contribute even more in terms of goals or assists. It also shows that we’re getting into the box, that we’re pushing forward there. That’s a good thing, and I hope it will eventually pay off even more—for us, but especially for the team.
It’s up to us to give it our all in front of our home crowd to keep our winning streak going
Nicolas: As for high-intensity sprints, that’s part of what the coach and staff ask of us. It’s something we’re both capable of handling; Yanis even more so than I am, actually. It’s part of the team’s balance and what we’re “required to do”—in quotes… But that’s also what leads us to victories. As for the rest, Yanis summed it up very well. That stat proves we’re in the mix, and that’s already a good sign. Then, as I said earlier, it’s our efficiency in the final pass that will allow us to take it to the next level.
You’re not one of the biggest players on the team, but you’re among those who win the most one-on-one battles…. What’s your secret?
Nicolas: I think Yanis has always had a somewhat slight build. As for me, I was a little shorter than the others, I grew up later, and I’m convinced that playing against bigger opponents really builds character. You have to make up for it in other ways—by reading the play, anticipating, or simply adapting. When you’re constantly faced with that, it becomes almost second nature.
We have the chance to experience something very positive as the season comes to a close
Yanis: This statistic shows the commitment and determination we both bring to the table. It’s not just a matter of physicality; it’s also a mental game—you can’t be afraid, you have to go for it and tell yourself you’re going to get the ball. As Nico said, it’s also balanced out by other qualities, particularly the ability to “anticipate” so you’re a step ahead, which lets you win a duel.
How do you assess your season, both personally and as a team?
Nicolas: I’m really happy. I’ve been able to play a lot this season. There have been plenty of moments this year that I’ve really enjoyed—between the Coupe de France and the league. I hope this continues and that things stay positive until the end of the season. I feel like I’ve reached a few milestones, but I know that in soccer, things change very quickly. One minute you’re on top, the next you’re a little further down. That’s why we have to keep working to maintain our strong performances. As a team, we’re now in a final sprint to secure a playoff spot. It’s something we’ve earned the right to compete for, and I hope we’ll stay in the race for as long as possible.
I need to improve my efficiency in the final 30 meters
Yanis: Personally, I’m really happy with my season, but it’s not over yet (smiles). It’s true that I’ve had some pretty tough seasons in the past, so this puts me in a good mood. I’m enjoying playing and getting one game after another. My personal experience with past injuries makes me realize that things can change very quickly, for better or for worse, but I try not to think about it. I take it day by day. If I get the chance to play, I enjoy competing in that game and giving my all for the team.
How do you assess the team’s season, which—like yours—seems to be gaining momentum after a slow and inconsistent start?
Yanis: The team has come a long way over the past summer, and we’ve gotten to know each other better along the way. We have a great group that gets along well. Even during the toughest times, we’ve managed to stay close-knit, united, and supportive of one another, and that’s what makes us strong on the field.
My personal experience with past injuries has made me realize that things can change very quickly—for better or for worse
Nicolas: I’m really happy with the team. I feel like we’ve really gotten to know each other. Things have really come a long way since the start of the season. There are a lot of players who have contributed to that. Take Yanis and me, for example—we weren’t playing at the start of the season, but now we’ve finally gotten into the swing of things and are doing our part. We’re having a lot of fun, we all get along well, and I think that’s what makes us strong today.
How are you preparing for the visit of the Troyes team this Saturday at La Mosson?
Yanis: I think it’s going to be a good game. The break gave us a chance to recharge our batteries while continuing to work hard. We’ve been able to focus on this match, and we can’t wait to get out there. It’s up to us to give it our all at La Mosson, in front of our home crowd and our fans, to keep our great home streak going. We’ve got a lot riding on the rest of the season; it’s up to us to grab as many points as possible and not let any slip away needlessly.
We have a great group that gets along well. Even during the toughest times, we’ve managed to stay close-knit, united, and supportive of one another. That’s what makes us strong.
Nicolas: The late-game victory in our last home match against Laval shows that everyone is involved, whether they start the game or finish it. We’re all having fun, and everyone contributes to the team effort. This matchup against the league leaders in front of our fans promises to be a very exciting game. It’s bound to be a tough match, but we have every chance of winning. It’s up to us to keep doing what we do best. Whether individually or as a team, we have the opportunity to potentially experience something very positive as the season comes to a close. It’s a cliché, but we have to take it one game at a time, keep enjoying ourselves, and above all, give joy to the people who come to support us. It’s with this philosophy that we might just be able to achieve something special at the end of the season.
